St. Thomas Episcopal Church Vicar Elizabeth Morse greets Mitzi and her owner, Jo Martin, at Saturday’s “Blessing of the Animals,” an annual event at the Dallas church. Saturday’s blessing drew nine dogs and four cats accompanied by 15 humans. The event carries on the tradition of St. Francis, who believed in honoring all nature, including animals. “We bless them because they are our friends, and they are holy” Morse said.